My name is Max, and I graduated from the University of Michigan (2020) with a degree in Political Science. I'm a news junky, extraordinarily mediocre golfer, and am constantly at odds with my lactose intolerance and passion for ice cream.

I lived in 13 different houses growing up, in areas with various economic and racial compositions. Along the way, I've met Americans from different backgrounds, each with unique experiences and corresponding beliefs.

I founded Civil because we need to remember that people don't have strong beliefs for no reason. Sure, some views (on both sides) are just wrong. However, the vast majority of issues that divide us are far from black and white, right and wrong. We all need to start viewing different as a little more okay.

Environment - All the other policy issues won't matter if we don't have a habitable earth to debate them on.

Misinformation - Information is only as reliable as the people receiving it. We need to teach Americans how to seek out reliable information.

Education - Our school systems don't prepare students for the technical, professional, or ideological challenges that await them. It's time for an upgrade.

I moved to the United States in 2016 from Germany. In my pursuit to live my American Dream, I listen to country music on winding roads and practice shooting when I can. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration, and I'm currently a J.D. candidate at Stetson College of Law.

I find myself on the libertarian right but value truth over narrative. I joined Civil because while working on Capitol Hill I saw citizens who cared more about following a narrative than to think for themselves. I believe Civil will help foster the next generation of citizens who will represent the greatness of this country.

Abortion: It is the greatest civil rights battle of our generation.

Title IX: Due process has been eroded in our universities, Title IX does not work for victims or those accused. Having worked as an advisor for students, I've seen the mental toll of Title IX firsthand.

Identitarianism: A large segment of the United States fails to live up to MLK's dream of judging others, not by their race, but by the content of their character.

Civil combines my entrepreneurial spirit with my love-hate relationship for politics. Currently, the political system pushes lifelong commitments to one dimensional political camps that do not truly represent the diversity of thought and beliefs across the US. I believe there is more nuance to be found in our political engagement. Through Civil, I want to equip young people with the skills and education needed to create a more open discursive political world.

Environment ● Wealth Inequality ● Co-op

In my opinion, the environment and wealth inequality are the biggest issues facing our world today. I would also like to see some more diversity in small business financial structures like Co-ops.

My name is Devesh, and I graduated from the University of Michigan (2020) with degrees in Computer Science and Business Administration. I'm an avid skier, car enthusiast, and adequate golfer. I joined Civil as a strategic advisor to combat the shameful biases of mainstream media (on all sides), and help to re-introduce the common decency and respect that has been lost between the left and the right. I'm a right-leaning moderate because I believe that small government, free market capitalism, and preserving the sanctity of the first amendment are important elements in keeping our country moving forward towards a positive future.

The 1st Amendment - the importance of free speech a core tenant that makes this country strong. In recent years it feels as though certain groups in our country have forgotten this principle, which is why I think it's more critical than ever now to protect and preserve this critical freedom and all it encompasses.

COVID - The past two years have shown just how fragile personal freedom can be in a democratic society. I think the government has overstepped on numerous fronts (across the past two administrations), and I hope to see an immediate change in the current administrations sentiment towards public pandemic policy.

Moderation - Political extremism is an obstacle to progress in this country. I could honestly care less if someone leans right or left, but the inability to compromise and find common ground because of immutable one-sided opinions is a serious problem.

My name is Jonathan, and I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I earned my bachelor's degree in Political Science with a second major in Peace, War, and Defense and concentrated in International Security and Intelligence. I love to play board games and watch movies and TV shows. My enjoyment of these hobbies is only eclipsed by my love for politics. I am a major political junkie, especially about election analysis. It is this passion that drives me to work at Civil. I believe that informed debate is the lifeblood of a democratic society, and Civil helps foster that discussion.

Climate Change - Humanity has a responsibility to each other and future generations to protect our planet. We must act to stop the effects of climate change before they become permanent.

Gerrymandering - Across the U.S., many states have a long history of gerrymandering, which has somehow become a politically acceptable form of voter suppression. I believe gerrymandering is discriminatory, anti-democratic, and has no place in our government.

Capital Punishment - Wrongful convictions are widespread throughout the American criminal justice system. While always a tragedy, I believe these cases are especially egregious when the state imposes an irreversible verdict: the death penalty. The death penalty does not bolster public safety, is fiscally irresponsible, is morally wrong, and it is time to abolish it.

Hi, my name is Rachel and I am a sophomore at American University. I am pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in French. I frequently listen to music by Dua Lipa (on repeat), read French novels, and watch baking shows on Netflix. I am from Long Island, New York, and I’ve been living there my whole life.

Voters’ Rights

Identification requirements and inaccessible polling sites have disadvantaged American citizens of lower socioeconomic status. I believe that it is paramount for the government to implement voting laws that are inclusive of all American citizens.

Criminal Justice Reform

The mass incarceration of African Americans has developed into a complex problem over the course of American history. Systemic racism still infiltrates our society and this is something that the government shouldn’t ignore.

Cybersecurity

Many people don’t know where their data is stored or how big data companies are violating their privacy. The government must initiate legislation that holds these companies accountable for their actions.

After graduating the University of Tulsa with a degree in Computer Science in 2021, I joined Civil to work on the web team. I'm a board game aficionado, graphic designer, and a nut for animated horror films. I believe that providing a platform for balanced discussion is invaluable in today's political climate. Being able to see the facts and understand the other side is how we can talk with loved ones and friends with different opinions than our own. I lean left politically because I believe it's the duty of a democratic government to help provide freedoms and basic necessities for its people.

Criminal Justice Reform – Far too many people are incarcerated for victimless crimes such as being unable to pay for traffic tickets and drug use, while CEOs who commit mass fraud or large scale pollution walk with only a fine.

Health Care – A well-established government should aim to help its people, and health care is something that every person needs. I believe that with a carefully developed national infrastructure, we could serve more people for less, while cutting out the for-profit insurance industry.

Climate Change & Environmental Law – Companies have gotten off far too long polluting our planet while not contributing enough to help it.

I believe clear communication is rare but absolutely necessary to the health of any productive discussion. I have been sad to see those in my community stop communicating across the political spectrum. I became an editor and development consultant at Civil to help create a solution. I hold beliefs from across the political spectrum and after a bit of civil listening, I find that there are many who believe there is more to engaging in politics than two-party fighting.

I graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in International Development and Business Economics. I grew up going to school all year round, between Idaho and Japan. I learned to love both the sprawling cityscapes and the rugged mountains. Now, I live in NYC spending my free time reading in the park and creating paludariums to bring nature into my home. When I have time, I love a little trip out of the city to forage and backpack.

I am extremely passionate about collaborative industry climate change solutions, equity in work, and stable international relations.

I’m Teddy and I’m a high school senior. Although being younger than the rest of the team, I’m just as passionate about making a difference in the classroom if not more. I like to keep myself busy tutoring kids, watching Netflix, and playing aggressively average pickup basketball at my local YMCA.

Over the last couple years, I noticed my classmates being constantly at odds with each other, arguing about politics that they didn’t even fully understand. The constant intake that came from social media only increased the partisan divide in the classroom. Seeing friendships breakup because of politics I knew that something serious had to change. I joined the Civil team because I felt they were doing just that. The team’s idea for educating the next generation of adults really struck a chord with me, healing the divide among people and helping facilitate the spread of civil discussions. I’m thrilled to be a part of this project and can’t wait to see the difference that it makes in our country’s classrooms.

My top three issues consist of climate change, as I feel that it will grow to become the most prevalent issue in our lifetimes, abortion rights, as I feel that this battle could have disastrous effects on people’s civil rights, and the COVID response of our nation as I believe it is currently the largest point of discord among Americans today.